PAK MEDIA, TEHERAN – Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has sent a firm signal that his country will not be careless in establishing an agreement with the United States.
Although diplomatic channels remain open, Tehran chooses to act very cautiously, considering Washington’s long history of betraying commitments.
Pezeshkian made this statement when welcoming the Chief of Staff of the Pakistan Army, Asim Munir, in Tehran on Saturday (23/5).
This meeting is crucial considering Pakistan’s role as the main mediator in cooling tensions in the Middle East.
A Deep Crisis of Trust
In front of the Pakistani delegation, Pezeshkian explained the reasons why the Iranian public’s level of trust in the US was at its lowest point.
He highlighted a series of bitter events, ranging from repeated violations of international commitments to military attacks that continued to occur even though the negotiation process was ongoing.
Furthermore, he touched on old wounds related to the murder of a number of high-ranking Iranian officials which was considered a real form of aggression in the midst of dialogue efforts.
“Our history and experience in negotiating with the US encourage us to be very vigilant. We are only trying to protect the legally valid rights of our people,” stressed Pezeshkian.
Also Read: Trump Pulls the Trigger at the Last Second: Iran’s Great War Cancelled Today?
Three Dead Conditions: Nuclear, Assets, and Strait of Hormuz
Even though a ceasefire has been in effect since April 8 after 40 days of bloody conflict, the prospect of permanent peace still seems deadlocked.
Based on news agency reports FarsTehran set three non-negotiation points that Washington must fulfill if it wants negotiations to continue:
-
Nuclear Status: Iran has steadfastly refused to discuss its nuclear program at the current stage of negotiations.
-
Asset Disbursement: Tehran demands that state assets frozen abroad be released first as a guarantee of good faith.
-
Sovereignty of the Strait of Hormuz: Iran continues to insist on maintaining full control over the Strait of Hormuz, the artery of world oil trade which has long been a geopolitical hot spot.
Without flexibility from the United States regarding these three main issues, many parties predict that these peace negotiations are in danger of total failure.
Also Read: Leaks at the BRICS Summit: Iran Beats the Drum for a New Conflict, Accuses the UAE of Playing Two Feet with Israel
Pakistan as a Bridge to Peace
In the midst of the deadlock, Pakistan emerged as a mediating actor. Asim Munir during his visit emphasized Islamabad’s full support for regional stability.
Pakistan hopes the ongoing exchange of proposals in recent weeks can yield positive results for Middle East stability.
Pezeshkian himself agrees that war does not benefit anyone. But for him, peace should not be redeemed at the expense of national sovereignty.
Now, the ball is in Washington’s hands: whether they will show flexibility, or let the region fall back into post-ceasefire uncertainty.
What do you think, will Iran’s demands regarding control of the Strait of Hormuz be the biggest obstacle for the US to continue this deal?***
